The Hereafter Gang

...because it will be a better world if you do. This is one of THE funniest, most charming & bawdy books I've ever read. I love the author's vision of heaven & Jesus in Adidas sneakers with a wicked backhand. (somehow the idea of Jesus as a jock isn't so hard to take)Barrett's obvious smarts & his witty love of words reminds me a lot of Tom Robbins. If you're a fan of Robbins-you'll love Barrett. They have a similar style & outlook. I think of Robbins as a Souther writer while Barrett is definitely Texan. This particular novel has a highly original view of the afterlife & why we must endure the things we do while living. I think one of the things I especially enjoyed was the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness ramblings about sitting on his porch wasting time. He talks about "watching the cat eat a leaf" and it cracked me up. There is no way I can do Barrett's wicked sense of humor justice, so I won't try. Just read the book. I swear you'll be laughing out loud.And I don't think I've ever read anything that makes me hungrier! I wouldn't recommend this book to a vegetarian. But if you like cold beer & spicy ribs...I've read a lot of fiction. Most good, some bad. I would rate Barrett's "Hereafter Gang" amongst some of the best fiction ever put on paper. See if you don't agree.

... at ArmadilloCon science fiction convention in Austin, Texas - in 1991. The book was just out in hardcover and on everyone's "must read" list. The book was a limited edition from a small press, though, and out of my price range. Luckily, I had some influence with the local public library and got them to put it on the acquisitions list. They bought it, I read it, and I've been a Barrett fan ever since.Take the ones that are available in this order. The Hereafter Gang, Dead Dog Blues, Pink Vodka Blues, Skinny Annie Blues, and Bad Eye Blues.Buy these books then hold onto your ribs. You've got some serious laughter ahead.And Neal . . . I'm delighted you finally got that trade paper deal on The Hereafter Gang. If I could just convince you to bring Howie Ryder back from China I'd be a happy camper.

I read this book when it first came out in 1991...Nothing is what it seems, and it's all VERY funny. So glad it's back in print finally! Not for the easily embarrassed or offended though! It's a wild ride!